A surgeon exploring the lesser sac for a suspected neuroendocrine tumour recalls that the majority of gastrinomas lie within a defined anatomical region. The 'gastrinoma triangle' is bounded by:
- A Coeliac axis, superior mesenteric artery, and portal vein
- B Confluence of the cystic and common bile ducts, second part of the duodenum, and neck of the pancreas ✓
- C Gastroesophageal junction, pylorus, and splenic hilum
- D Foramen of Winslow, ligament of Treitz, and left gastric artery origin
Correct answer: B. Confluence of the cystic and common bile ducts, second part of the duodenum, and neck of the pancreas
Explanation
The gastrinoma triangle is defined by three points: the confluence of the cystic duct and common bile duct superiorly, the junction of the second and third parts of the duodenum inferiorly, and the neck-body junction of the pancreas medially. Roughly three quarters of sporadic gastrinomas arise within this triangle, commonly in the duodenum itself. The other option sets describe unrelated vascular or mesenteric anatomy and serve as anatomical distractors.
Reference: Schwartz's Principles of Surgery, 11th ed.
High-yield for: NEET PGINI-CETNExTFMGEUSMLEPLABMRCP
Written and medically reviewed by the StethoPrep medical team.